TI to expand Milanese network

Italian incumbent Telecom Italia (TI) is joining forces with internet operator Metroweb to expand its optical network in and around the city of Milan. The agreement will give TI access to 70,000 buildings, partly through Metroweb’s existing infrastructure, and includes the investment of approximately EUR50 million (USD67 million), securing the right to use the infrastructure for 15 years, with the option to renew for a further 15. The move is part of TI’s plan to develop its next generation broadband network (NGN2), which will launch in Milan and then roll out across Italy. The signing of the deal with Metroweb will allow the incumbent to set up the network quicker and minimise the impact on public works. Under the terms of the deal, TI will use both its own infrastructure as well as the that of Metroweb to offer VDSL2 broadband at speeds of up to 50Mbps.